The Finnish menswear site Keikari recently profiled David Mercer of Mercer & Sons, maker of traditional buttondown oxfords. David talks about life, the shirt business, and clothing that’s built to last:

I believe strongly that clothes you buy should last forever. I wear old Peal & Co. shoes I bought in the ’60s and ’70s, a Norman Hilton sport coat from the ’70s, the blue blazer from my wedding day almost 30 years ago, khakis, a belt from the ’60s, and a grey wool and nailhead suit from Brooks in the early ’80s. Good, well made classic clothing should last forever. Always easy to dandy up things up a bit with a new shirt, a colorful tie and some interesting socks.

I ordered a shirt from Mr. Mercer once. The shirt didn’t come on the promised date. I understood his shirts are custom made and take some time to make, but it took months longer than what he promised, and date after promised date was missed. I finally cancelled my order, and then he sent it.

Mr. Lassof is disappointed in Mercer & Sons, and rightly so. However, no one is perfect, and while I’m certain that they lost a customer in Mr. Lassof, their many ardent fans will continue to patronize them for their quality shirts.

Incidentally, did you look at the shirts in the article? Beautiful. I can’t wait to order some for myself.

I’ve ordered several shirts from Mercer and Sons and the service has been personal and terrific. I’d have ordered more, but the shirts last so long I haven’t had to give them more business. But I’m about to order two more OCBD buttondowns from them on principle. This is the kind of company (along with J.W. Hulme and Quoddy, e.g.) that deserves the support of those who appreciate the classic, the traditional, the real thing.

I’ve ordered over the years dress and sport shirts from David as well as boxers (replacing zimmerli). I’ve enjoyed them all and would’ve ordered more but after retiring don’t wear my solid color oxfords much at all.